Rabada pilots SA to 177-run win

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Paceman Kagiso Rabada bowled an understrength South Africa to a 177-run victory over Australia yesterday, giving the visitors the upper hand at the start of the three-Test series.

The South Africans entered the series without injured captain AB de Villiers, and their depth was tested when pace spearhead Dale Steyn fractured his right shoulder on the second day and was ruled out of the remainder of the series.

The young attack, led by Man-of-the-Match Rabada's five for 92 in the second innings, rallied to ensure South Africa continued their unbeaten run in Tests at the WACA ground and ended a long streak for the Australians, who hadn't lost the first Test of a home series since 1988.

Australia started on top, having the South Africans reeling at 81 for five on the first day before bowling them out for 242. After a commanding start to the reply, with opening pair David Warner and Shaun Marsh putting on 158 runs, the Australians lost 10 wickets for 86 runs.

The slide was triggered by Steyn's dismissal of Warner for 97 - the veteran South African bowler's last act of the series.